Tobago

The Caribbean has long been the holiday
destination of choice for many. Who could resist the
Caribbean Sea’s turquoise waters, sandy beaches and
wonderful climate?

The Caribbean covers nearly three
million square kilometres, stretching from the Gulf of Miami
to the Venezuelan coast of South America. There are over
7,000 Caribbean islands, but only a small percentage are large
enough to be populated. The geographical nature, ethnic
backgrounds, history, language and customs of the Caribbean
are as diverse as Europe itself.

Tobago, and sister-island Trinidad, are
the most southerly islands in the Caribbean chain. In fact,
Trinidad is just seven miles off the South American coast.
Since gaining independence from Britain, these two islands
form the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Although
united politically and financially, the two islands could
not be more different and actually have surprisingly little in common.

Tobago, the Jewel of the Caribbean

Tobago has remained undeveloped as a tourism
destination for a long time. The opening of an international airport in
recent years has changed this, but the lack of development
still remains one of Tobago’s greatest charms.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, Tobago
is actually an extension of the Venezuelan mainland. The
island is only 26 miles long and 8 miles wide and the
interior is dominated by the Main Ridge – the oldest
protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. The
landscape can best be described as lush, green and hilly.
The only substantial development is a narrow belt of coral
plain stretching from the island’s airport at Crown Point
to the capital, Scarborough. Over 80% of Tobago’s
50,000 population lives in this belt.

The
coast of Tobago abounds with small, natural sandy beaches
where you will regularly find yourself alone; truly in
paradise. The proximity to South America and warm waters
produce some of the best bird-watching and diving in the
Caribbean.

Over and above the natural beauty,
Tobago’s strongest and most noticeable feature is the
hospitality and friendliness of the local population,
particularly when compared with other Caribbean
destinations. Ignored by the rest of the world for
centuries, Tobagonians are immensely and justifiably proud
of their island and only too delighted to share it with
visitors.

The Weather & Getting There

Tobago
lies just 11° north of the equator and is outside the main
hurricane belt. As a result, temperatures are fairly
consistent throughout the year, the waters are warmer and
the island suffers fewer autumn storms than many of the more
northerly Caribbean islands. Average daytime temperatures
are 29°C, with a maximum in the low to mid 30s. The 'rainy
season' runs from early June to late November and is
normally typified by short sharp bursts of rain. The
North East Trade Winds blow in from the Atlantic Ocean
all year, fanning Tobago and resulting in the island’s
wonderful climate. These cooling sea breezes are the reason
that intrusive air-conditioning is seldom necessary on the
island.

Tobago now benefits from an increasing number of direct air
flights from Europe and North America. British Airways,
Virgin Atlantic and charter operator Excel Airways
offer several flights a week from London Gatwick.
BWIA operate weekly flights from London Heathrow and
Washington. Thomas Cook (Condor) operates a
weekly flight from Frankfurt. Additional flights arrive via
Trinidad, utilising the 20-minute air-bridge that connects
the two islands.